Pakistan Name Hong Kong Sixes Squad With Abbas Afridi As Captain

Pakistan have announced their squad for the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, with Abbas Afridi retained as captain as the defending champions prepare for another title campaign. The announcement comes ahead of the three-day event, which is scheduled to run from October 30 to November 1.

The tournament will feature 12 teams divided into four groups. Pakistan have been placed in Group C, giving the side a defined route into the opening phase of the competition as they look to build on their previous success in the format.

The seven-member squad includes Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Shahzad and Saad Masood. The group combines power-hitting options and bowling resources needed for the fast-paced six-a-side format.

Raza Kachloo has been named team manager for the tournament. His role will include overseeing squad coordination, travel arrangements and team management as Pakistan prepare for the short-format competition in Hong Kong.

The team is scheduled to depart for Hong Kong on October 28, giving the players a short preparation window before the tournament begins. The timing allows the squad to settle in before the opening matches and adjust to the conditions.

Pakistan enter the competition as defending champions, which adds both confidence and pressure to their campaign. The six-a-side format rewards aggressive batting, sharp fielding and quick tactical decisions, making squad balance especially important.

Abbas Afridi's retention as captain signals continuity in leadership. His role will be central in managing the high-tempo nature of the tournament, where matches can shift quickly within a few overs and teams have limited time to recover from mistakes.

The squad announcement will draw attention from cricket followers at home because Pakistan will be trying to retain a title in an international event. The next step for the team will be final preparation before departure, followed by the group-stage fixtures once the tournament begins.